Ad Astra, Florence
More photosAd Astra is a hidden gem tucked away in the authentic Oltrarno district of Florence, occupying the first and second floors of an 18th-century noble mansion. The hotel owes its name—meaning “to the stars”—to a nearby neo-Gothic tower in the Torrigiani Garden, which was originally built by the Marquis Torrigiani in the early 1800s as an astronomical observatory.
What makes this place truly special is its setting. The mansion overlooks the Torrigiani Garden, which is the largest private garden within the city walls in all of Europe. While guests cannot wander through the private grounds, the hotel features a sprawling 270-square-metre terrace that offers a peaceful, elevated vantage point over the lush greenery, perfect for a quiet breakfast or an evening glass of wine.
The design, a collaboration between architect Francesco Maestrelli and the Perduca brothers, perfectly balances history with whimsy. Each of the 14 rooms is unique, mixing original frescoes and parquet floors with mid-century Italian design, eclectic art, and vintage knick-knacks. A signature feature in every room is a freestanding, roll-top bathtub, designed for total relaxation.
Located on the “quieter” side of the Arno River, Ad Astra feels like an exclusive retreat while keeping you within easy walking distance of major sites. You are only about a 10-minute stroll from the iconic Ponte Vecchio and well-positioned to explore the nearby Boboli Gardens or the historic Piazza Santo Spirito, known for its local artisan shops and vibrant neighborhood character.
Expert reviews
“There is no other address quite like it in Florence. Seductively at home in a 16th-century palazzo overlooking Europe’s largest private walled garden, this uber-chic guesthouse rocks.”
“AdAstra is among my very favourite hotels in Florence, both for its privileged setting in one of the city’s great private gardens, and for its very special atmosphere. Inspired by the concept of a Parisian hotel particulier, this boutique hotel has the feel of an aristocratic private apartment.”
What guests liked
- Private garden
- Helpful staff
- Beautiful rooms
- Comfortable beds
- Excellent Wifi
- Top location
Location
Recent guest reviews
5 September 2025
Civilised and comfortable.
Smart, comfortable and Anastasia was welcoming.
Breakfast was underwhelming.
2 September 2025
This is a great hotel, the rooms were spacious and really unique. The team were all very helpful in whatever was needed.
A lovely setting and a great terrace to have a coffee or wine on. The rooms were great as well and super comfortable.
Nothing
12 August 2025
Lovely ,quirky place with charming staff
Beautiful building and perfect position
My room was a bit gloomy
7 August 2025
Great place with subtle glamour and old world elegance.
Authentic Florentine experience outside of the tourist bubble, yet easy to access to sites of interest. Charming staff and beautiful garden setting.
29 July 2025
Lovely setting friendly staff great bathroom
Original quirky
Slightly too far away from the centre need to get a cab rather than walk at that time of year when it was so hot
20 June 2025
This stunning hotel, hosted divinely by Cecile, offers a perfect and convenient escape
Cecile who hosted us was just divine.
This hotel is the perfect escape from the busy side of Florence though so close to everything. A perfect reprieve and a stunning hotel
20 June 2025
A charming and peaceful stay in the heart of Florence, with beautiful surroundings and easy access to the city’s highlig
Beautifully located in the heart of the old town. The room was spacious with high ceilings, and the terrace overlooking the garden was an absolute gem.
Breakfast was somewhat limited, with no hot options, and the bed was a bit uncomfortable for my wife.
11 May 2025
Great pick for Florence. Away from the crowds.
Very well appointed propety and in a very nice location. Quite.
Clean, stylish, well organized and managed.
7 May 2025
It was great and I would go back!!
Very nice. Close to restaurants and things to see in Florence. Very quiet street and terrace overlooked beautiful gardens. Staff was great and very accommodating. Wished we had been able to walk the gardens but understand the owners privacy.
Great!!
5 May 2025
We have never experienced such hospitality, the staff went above and beyond to make this an enjoyable stay proving pract
The property is set in stunningly spectacular grounds, with beautiful views from the terrace and the garden room in which we stayed. Large and spacious, in a quiet location but within easy reach of restaurants and cultural sites. The complimentary breakfast and pastries/ coffee throughout the day was a lovely gesture and welcome after a long day sightseeing.
Nothing, it delivered exactly what was described.
29 April 2025
The staff was very welcoming and garden is gorgeous. The rooms are very unique and fun, and we loved using the bathtub a
Very unique and beautiful!
6 April 2025
Great stay, very kind staff, a unique experience
Beautiful terrasse with view onto the garden
Could be a bit more taken care of
24 March 2025
Amazing boutique hotel, seeped with history and so relaxing
Amazing location, a bit out of main part of town but not far - enough to be nice and peaceful. Part of an historic Palazzo, it really has the wow factor. Gardens are amazing to sit and view with a glass of wine.
Nothing really! Maybe a dining option but there are so many good local restaurants that it’s not a problem!
28 November 2024
Lovely location and staff. They could not do enough to help.
Location and the size
No hot breakfast options
13 October 2024
Classy and quiet stay on the less crowded south bank in Oltrarno.
Loved its quiet location in manically busy Florence. Our room had beautiful view overlooking private garden. Very large comfy bed. Good bathroom. Lovely old fashioned feel with high ceilings and nice parquet floors. Nice lounge to sit in during the day or evening. Excellent continental breakfast. Really helpful staff.
All good
9 October 2024
Absolutely brilliant, can't wait to go back!
We could not recommend this accommodation enough. The building is beautiful and the terraces overlook the amazing gardens.
The location is very convenient to all of the major tourist sites - 15-25 minutes walk to everything - yet the street is quiet and the local restaurants are fantastic.
The staff are unfailingly helpful and the breakfast delicious.
I will never stay anywhere else in Florence!
Honestly, nothing!
This isn't a hotel with full service reception, bar etc, it's more what in England would be called a private or a townhouse hotel. But we just loved it and had an amazing time in Florence
30 September 2024
I would highly recommend this property. The staff was very accommodating. The property is beautiful and the breakfast wa
The property was immaculate and beautiful grounds
There wasn’t anything that we did not like about the property
28 September 2024
I would recommend staying here! This unique, more distanced and quiet hotel is a perfect slice of Florence.
This hotel is very cute! It is located next to a beautiful garden. Hotel staff gave us a warm welcome at entry gates during check in. Hotel provided complimentary drinks and snacks. The room (and bathroom) was very spacious and clean. We also appreciated the chic decor.
Since the hotel is older, there were some quirks but nothing worth noting. The hotel does have an old lift, which we used for our luggage - otherwise make sure you’re able to take stairs.
Location was a little further away - at least a 10-15 minute walk to get to attractions.
26 September 2024
Amazing stay in Florence!
The property is beautiful. It is easily one of the best places I’ve ever stayed. We loved the terrace. We could even see one of the basilicas from our bedroom. Everyone who worked there was accommodating and helpful.
11 September 2024
A property unlike any other in Florence
Oasis of calm within the walls of Florence.
Screening on terrace between rooms and communal terrace could be improved.
2 September 2024
sumptuous cool decadent and relaxing
Just incredible place to stay. Easy to walk to lovely square Spirito Santo area. Cool interior with unique decor - it feels as if you are staying in a chateau ....which basically you are!!
Really nothing.
19 August 2024
Best place to stay in Florence!! A true gem.
The excellent location and staff!!
29 July 2024
Comfy, hospitable accommodation
Beautiful and well appointed. Very helpful staff and the perfect location. Breakfast was lovely served on the terrace
It was a perfect oasis in the city. Beautiful gardens hidden from the world
18 June 2024
Very comfortable. Quiet location. Easy to come and go.
Breakfast was very good. A bit more fresh fruit woukd have been nice. Eating on the terrace overlooking the gardens was a big bonus in the city
Beware of a very shallow step in the bathroom. Easy to trip over. It was quite a small space.
16 June 2024
Beautiful hotel with stunning grounds. Unique place to stay right in the middle of Florence!
Stunning hotel, the rooms are beautiful, the grounds are stunning & staff were incredibly helpful.
9 June 2024
An oasis away from the busy Florence streets
This hotel is in the perfect location - away from the really busy tourist areas but easy walking distance to attractions on both sides of the river. The terrace was a particular highlight for us, we loved sitting there relaxing after a day exploring. The breakfast was delicious and the room extremely comfortable, and the people at the front desk were lovely. Couldn't have asked for more!
Nothing
8 June 2024
a great experience !!! highly recommended
you live in a palazzo full of history in a great location. the staff is super kind and helpful.
loved everything about the experience
23 May 2024
Lovely, quiet retreat near Florence City Center
It was elegant, quiet, and situated close enough to the city center to walk but far enough away to feel like a retreat.
The garden is only for viewing, you can’t walk in it, but this is because the family who owns the property still live on site and keep the garden private.
23 May 2024
So charming and such wonderful service! Grazie, Ad Astra!
Breakfast was delicious, one of our favorites on the trip. The staff was delightful and the decor was so unique, artistic and soulful. The view of their gardens was spectacular. The bathtub was everything!! Such a perfect place to recover from jetlag, with all the help of the staff and the charming decor, we felt very cared for and at ease
The bed could have been a bit softer, but to be fair, I like a very soft bed. For most people it is probably perfect. Though I understand why (it is a private estate) the fact that the garden is off limits was sad. Florence in general lacked public green spaces (this is not Ad Astra's fault), so it would have been especially nice to have access to that area. It was lovely to look at though.
19 May 2024
We felt like we were staying at a palace and we were:)
A very grand and beautiful quiet haven away from the very busy historic centre of Florence and the other parts of Tuscany we visited.
Nothing
15 May 2024
I would definitely choose to stay here again. Garden views are stunning
gorgeous property. The rooms are eclectic and fun. View of the gardens and quiet location made this a wonderful stay
nothing
9 May 2024
Beautiful stay. The staff was wonderful and very helpful.
Beautiful building and rooms. Loved the gardens.
3 May 2024
What a wonderful dreamy villa! It takes you back to the 16th century where you can feel the elegance and authenticity in
Every thing: the location, the friendly staff, the breakfast, ..
nothing every thing was wonderful
25 April 2024
Wonderful place for a short city break. Extra special!
Fabulous property, central and great garden
Nothing
Hotel facilities
Outdoors
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor furniture
General
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Heating
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
Services
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Daily housekeeping
Reception services
- - Invoice provided
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